If you can’t ever get too dirty or be too daring, you’re going to love the 13 miles of dirt roads that wind through Wharton Stat Forest and the short but rugged trail in Parvin State Park. And the Mount Misery mountain biking trail in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest pretty much says it all.

You don’t have to train for the Tour de France to enjoy a road bike trip and there are lots of road bike trails in South Jersey. The 11-mile trail in the quaint town of Lambertville is a great way to combine riding with an afternoon of shopping, antiquing, and dining.

Tricyclers can join mom and dad along the easy paved paths in the region’s county parks. Cooper River Park’s smooth paths make it easy for the whole family to pedal together.

For really great rides, hook up with some of the region’s many (many!) biking clubs. They know the best routes and are happy to introduce newcomers to the ins and outs of biking in South Jersey. Who else could tell you about the beginner-friendly trails near Camden County Community College or the tight, winding singletrack trail near Gloucester County Community College? South Jersey Wheelmen, the Princeton Freewheelers, Jersey Action Riders are just a few of the biking groups that conduct organized rides.

Another good source for routes and maps is the New Jersey Department of Transportation, www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/countymaps.shtm , or the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition, http://www.bicyclecoalition.org/.